Plants aren't the only thing you should think about when you are
planning a landscape. Rocks are also very important. They are
beautiful and can be functional as well. You should choose the
correct rocks for your landscaping carefully.
Landscape: Hardscapes and Softscapes
The term Softcapes refers to the living elements of the
landscapes, such as plants and flowers.
Hardscapes, on the other hand, refer to the non-living elements
such as the rocks and stones.
Rocks and Stones
Besides looking nice and adding a natural quality to your
landscaping, rocks are very durable. This makes them great for
walkways and retaining walls, or just to decorate a small pond or
waterfall. The can be functional or just for looks. No matter
what, using rocks or stones will make any landscape more
interesting to look at. The type of rock or stone you choose
will depend on what its use will be.
Rocks are particularly durable and not easily destroyed. They are
perfect to use for pathways and retaining walls. They enhance
the appearance of a pond mini-waterfalls.
Boulders Boulders are normally rather large rocks that work well
for use in water landscapes. They can also be used to mark a
driveway or the entrance of a garden. They can be very
dramatic, and if placed correctly, will attract plenty of
attention. Very large flat boulders can even be used as a place
to sit and enjoy nature.
Flag Stones Flag stones work best for walkways and patios. They
come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but they are all
thin and smooth. You can place them in different designs on top
of sand.
River pebbles River pebbles help with water conservations, so
work the best in dry climates. Besides this function, they can
also look nice around plants.
Granite
Granites are very beautiful. They can be made into tables or
benches, or stand alone as decoration.
Other Tips in Choosing the Appropriate Rock
1. You need to take the amount of space that you have into
consideration. Do you have enough room for boulders? Are you
putting too many rocks into a small area? Are they too close
together or far apart? You need to find a balance so there will
be enough interesting rocks or stones, without having too many.
2. The color of the rocks or stones is important. They can come
in shades of red, yellow, white, or brown, gray, etc. You want
the colors to compliment each other and the style of your
landscape.
3. If you want the rocks to look weathered, you should use
porous rock since mosses and other plants will grow well on them.
This makes your landscaping look more natural.
4. To save your feet, you should not use sharp rocks around a
pathway.
5. Choosing rocks that look similar, in shape, color, and
texture, will make your landscaping look more natural.
6. If you dig a small hole for larger rocks before placing them,
they will look like they belong, instead of being placed on top
of grass or mulch.
Be creative when landscaping with rocks and stones in using them for functional and
stylistic purposes in your garden. In general, the more natural
the rocks look, the better.
About the Author
Transfrom your front and back yard by using
landscaping stones for dramatic new looks and effects. Stop by for a visit at
www.plant-care.com for more on landscaping tips and indoor house plant care ideas.
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